Page 76 of Unbidden

She becomes fidgety and clearly uncomfortable.

“Aside from school?” She shrugs. “No one really. Why?”

“Your mom or the maids never talked to you?”

She shifts uncomfortably. “I mean, Reed went to the store and bought me what I needed and some chocolate. Patted my head and walked away.”

V bursts out laughing, making Tinsley and I both join her.

“I’m sorry. I can just picture how awkward that had to be for the both of you.” V giggles.

“Come on. Get up, you two. Tinsley, V and I are going to teach you everything you need to know.”

“What about birth control?” Tinsley asks shyly.

“Oh, God, Reed and Keaton are going to kill us,” V grumbles.

I shove her playfully. “You were only along for the chocolate, V. Don’t worry, I got this.”

∞∞∞

Two stores and several hours later, we arrive back at the Yates estate. As soon as we walk through the front door, Reed heads out of the den to meet us.

“How was shopping?” He eyes our bags suspiciously.

I suppose he’s used to his sister coming home with a lot more bags, all of which probably have a fancy brand on the side.

“Very informational,” Tinsley says with a slight blush on her face.

He gives me a questioning look, but I shrug.

“That’s good, I guess,” he says as we push past him and make our way upstairs.

Once in the room, we help Tinsley unpack her bags.

“So, remember, heating pad when you have cramps, but try to limit it to twenty minutes at a time.”

I pull the item out of the bag and show her how it works.

“Tampons can only stay in four hours tops, right? I should change them more often though.” She says the last part as a statement but with a question in her eyes.

“Correct. It’ll feel uncomfortable at first, but it should never hurt. If it hurts, take it out.”

She gives me a nod before crushing me in a hug.

“Thank you, Sage.” She turns and hugs Victoria next. “Thank you too. You guys are the best friends a girl could ask for.”

“Anytime. Next time, don’t hesitate to ask.” Victoria gives her a stern look.

She seems a little hurt that Tinsley never asked her about this before.

“I know. I was just embarrassed. I know you guys won’t judge me.” The unwavering conviction in Tinsley’s voice makes me smile.

“Never.” An alarm on my phone goes off. “Sorry, T. I have to go to work. V, can you give me a ride home?”

“Yep.” She turns to Tinsley. “Call me in a little bit. If you’re still home, I’ll come back by.”

After saying our goodbyes, we make our way downstairs. As we’re leaving, a hand lands on my arm, pulling me back.

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